Ayr Film Society
Welcome to this our 53rd season, This season our eclectic mix of films includes contemporary, classic, European, Asian, Latin American and African films as well as some short films from local directors (all screened with English subtitles, where available). We will also be showing films in support of Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ+ and Earth Hour.
Our venue is in the centre of town and is easily accessible. The main auditorium, on the first floor, is accessed via a lift, or stairs, and has plenty of space for wheelchairs and anyone with physical disabilities; another flight of stairs takes you to seating in the balcony.
Our collaborations this season include the French Film Festival, the Goethe Institut (FOKUS film festival), the Samizdat Eastern European Festival, and the Into Film Festival. Our local community collaborations include Whiteleys Retreat and Ayr Arts Guild (AAG). In addition, in partnership with AAG, we’ll screen a Silent Film with live music accompaniment by the acclaimed professional organist Aaron Hawthorne, on the Town Hall 1904 Lewis & Co. organ.
Ayr Film Society is a registered charity in Scotland (OSCR charity number: SC 006980). We are affiliated with Cinema for All, Film Hub Scotland, and Screen Scotland, Ayr Arts Guild and SCVO.
History
The Society was founded in November 1972 by five film enthusiasts who wanted to show independent, international films in Ayr. In January 1973, the first film was screened with a membership fee of £1 for a season of five feature films from January to May.
In 1978, the Society amalgamated with the local teacher training college, Craigie College, and then subsequently the Ayr Campus of the University of the West of Scotland.
Films were screened at Craigie College lecture theatre until March 2011. During part of the 2011 – 12 season, the Society moved to Prestwick Bowling Club until a permanent home was secured in Ayr Town Hall for the start of the 40th season.
The Film Society is a registered Scottish charity and continues to operate with a volunteer-led Committee. We wish to thank everyone, members, guests, and volunteer committee members throughout the years, for their continued support, and without whom we would not have made it this far.
If you are interested in volunteering for the Society, for more information, contact ayrfilmsociety@gmail.com.
Meet the Committee:
Tony Scott (Chair),
Ron Currie (Treasurer),
Katherine McNab (Vice Chair),
John Callan (Projectionist & Website Manager),
Annique Armstrong (Minutes Secretary),
Ron Archibald,
Duncan McNab.